Iran, Belarus Sign Defense-Cooperation Document

Presidents Ahmadinejad of Iran and Lukashenka of Belarus in November 2006 (Fars)

January 22, 2007 -- Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najar and his visiting Belarusian counterpart, Leanid Maltseu, have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding defense cooperation.

Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reports the document includes exchanges of experts and cooperation in technical and educational fields.

Maltseu, who is on a two-day visit to Tehran, met on January 21 with President Mahmud Ahmadinejad and other senior officials.

Both Iran and Belarus are facing increasing isolation from the international community.

(AFP, Mehr)